Head of Credit – Speciality finance

• Contract or Permanent Role

My Challenger Bank client is recruiting for a 2

LOD Head of Credit to set up and manage their new Specialty Finance Credit function.

The Head of Credit Risk – Specialty Finance (SF) is accountable for overseeing and shaping the credit risk profile of the Specialty Finance business within the Bank. This is a senior, strategic second-line role, supporting the development, launch, and long-term sustainability of the SF product offering. The role ensures lending activity remains aligned with the Group’s risk appetite, capital framework, and regulatory obligations, while enabling sustainable growth and strong returns.

As a key credit leader, the postholder will set and govern credit policy, ensure consistently high-quality lending decisions, and play a critical role in the successful establishment and scaling of the SF proposition in the market. The role is intended to be a member of Credit Committee and is designated as a Material Risk Taker (MRT), operating in full compliance with FCA and PRA requirements.

• Develop, maintain, and continuously enhance the Specialty Finance credit policy and risk appetite.
• Ensure lending decisions comply with approved policy, legal documentation standards, and regulatory requirements (including CDD, KYC/KYB).
• Act as a Credit Committee member, exercising delegated authority in line with approved mandates.

• Optimise portfolio performance by minimising provisions and write-offs while maximising Return on Equity (RoE) within agreed risk parameters.
• Oversee the structuring, approval, and ongoing management of complex SF transactions.
• Partner with the Restructuring Director to manage and resolve distressed assets effectively.

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing Specialty Finance Credit team, promoting an inclusive, approachable, and appropriately challenging risk culture.
• Support the Head of Business Finance Credit on strategic initiatives and change activity.
• Provide additional support to the wider Credit team on deal flow and sanctioning as capacity allows.

• Produce and present Specialty Finance MI to monthly Executive Risk Committees.
• Engage constructively with senior stakeholders, providing credible challenge and insight.
• Work closely with Group functions (Finance, Risk, Compliance, Marketing, Change, People) to ensure effective mobilisation and ongoing alignment of the SF credit function.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Degree-level education or equivalent professional qualification; or
• Significant, demonstrable experience in credit risk and Specialty Finance / bridging finance.

Experience

• Minimum of 15 years’ experience in credit risk, with strong exposure to Specialty Finance or comparable lending models.
• Experience of transactions structured as borrowing base facilities and/or block discounting facilities.
• Proven track record of delivering robust credit judgments and influencing senior stakeholders.

Skills & Knowledge

• Deep expertise in Specialty Finance and credit risk management.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance prudent risk management and business growth.
• In-depth knowledge of FCA and PRA regulation, including AML, KYC/KYB, and related compliance requirements.
• Strong capability in structuring complex transactions and managing in-life credit risk.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence, challenge, and collaborate across functions.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in credit policy, processes, and controls.

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